For one who is very familiar with action and adventure, Undisputed
provides its audience with an inside look into the inner strength and
determination of the undisputed prison champion, Monroe Hutchen. Wesley
Snipes sat with Blackfilm.com to discuss his most recent role and the
successfulness of being a versatile actor in Hollywood.

WS: You know, he is a big dude and you know big dudes have to
flex like that.

AAH: Is it true that you all had contact during the boxing
matches?

WS: Yeah, a couple of times and I retaliated, but I just kept
rolling!

AAH: Was this role relatively stressful?

WS: The demands are rough to do boxing films. Besides the
training before you actually start the movie, usually we are doing
like 3-4 minute rounds. We do rounds based on the dialogue. You
have to do it like 5 or 6 times. You have to stop, your body cools
down, and they come over and sprit water on you that feels like
they just threw ice on your scrotum. You feel terrible. Then you
come back and do that for 3 days back to back.

AAH: Why put yourself through that? How do you handle doing so
much physical acting?

WS: I donít know. Perhaps because I am capable of doing it. I
like the idea of being a dramatic actor that still has the strong
physicality and can cross over to those kinds of roles. Plus, the
opportunity to train with professionals and to get some real good
pointers and tips from someone like Emmanuel Stewart; thatís a once
in a lifetime opportunity. Especially not being a professional
fighter.

AAH: Are you a fan of boxing?

WS: Very much so.

AAH: What makes boxing so appealing?

WS: I love the idea of the man to man, against one another. I
like that. I donít know why.

AAH: Well, speaking of that Ė will there be a Blade 3?

WS: If everything goes well, weíll try to spit out one more. New
Line is interested and I am interested.

AAH: Youíve also done very low budget dramatic films. Do you have
a preference?

WS: Iíd like to increase the profile of those films. I do them
every year. Iíll do an action film and then go back and do a drama
or a comedy or something less action. I like to be pushed more so
people know that those [films] are out there. I only have a couple
of more years of jumping around and kicking. Its getting harder and
harder and I am getting injured more frequently. So the clock is
ticking. Next thing you know it will just be my mouth and my whole
body will be DGI [digitally enhanced].

AAH: What else are you working on?

WS: We are working on ďStrays,Ē an animation feature for
Nickelodeon. Itís a comedy about two stray dogs and they go on an
adventure to Africa. It is kind of one of those films that is not
only for my kids but itís also for me. I like animated films. They
are funny. You get to spin reality with animated films.

AAH: You bought the rights to John Henry Clay. Are you finishing
up that documentary?

WS: We are going to distribute it either this year or next year.
Itís still in the editing post phase. We are going to keep doing
that. It is a part of the black-dot-media series.

AAH:
Tell us more about your character in Undisputed.

WS: There are some similarities regarding balance between this
character and me. Certain things just donít bother me and I donít
worry about certain things. I donít allow myself to get involved in
things that ďmovie stars are supposed to do.Ē Does it make me a
better actor? No. If I never do another movie again, will I still
act? Yes. Can I still be happy? Yes. If I donít have a career, will
I jump out the window? No! If I quit acting, I will just become a
DeeJay. Iím a flip it. If you mess with my records that will make
me cry.

AAH: Are awards and other accolades important to you?

WS: Its nice to be recognized and to have tributes to your
accomplishes. But at the end of the day if it does not come that
way, itís okay. There are other people I look to for my
[recognition].

AAH: What is the movie youíd like to do?

WS: Gladiator 2 so that I can move up in the ranks!

AAH: What about Black Panther?

WS: I am slated to do it. Weíre trying to get it ready for
production for next year. But you know how this movie business is.

AAH: What inspired you to be an actor?

WS: The girls. Itís the reason I went to college and studied so
long. The money was spent well. I actually wanted to be a dancer.
It was in my drudges, Iíd still be a dancer.

AAH: Are you as passionate about acting now as you once were?

WS: I am going to get better. I think that there are things that
I have weak areas in my craft. Tonalities, sometimes the choices I
make could be a little bit more emotionally full. The problem is
that we are doing a lot of work and with films back to back you
donít have a lot of time to prepare. Then, even in this business,
you donít know if the project is going to go.

AAH: Do you mind the instability of your life?

WS: I really donít. Everyday brings something new. I am always
looking forward to the next day to see whatís going to happen.

AAH: Do you want to direct?

WS: No time soon. It takes too long. To have people yelling at
you and talking about moneyÖno,no.

AAH: Was it an interesting time working in a prison?

WS: It was not difficult. The guys were very respectful and
helpful. Iíve worked in a few prisons before so I had some
familiarity with being behind bars.

AAH: What advice would you give young actors coming up now?

WS: They should be very versatile. Versatility is whatís going
to give them the longevity. The world is opening up and a lot more
stories and a lot more interesting scenes to portray in film.
Versatility will help them. They must be able to see the world,
learn the world, and bring it to their craft.